Concord Police Arrest Alleged Jewelry Store Burglars After Pursuit

For Immediate Release
Friday, Oct. 3, 2014

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Concord Police Arrest Two After Jewelry Store Break-in

Pursuit Ends with K-9 Tracking Second Suspect

CONCORD — Police Chief Joseph O’Connor announces that the Concord Police Department pursued and arrested a pair of alleged jewelry store burglars early Friday morning.

As the result of vigilant police action, CLIFTON PINION, AGE 37, A HOMELESS INDIVIDUAL, LAST LIVING IN LYNNFIELD, AND TARA FELTS, AGE 30, OF MEDFORD, were arrested and charged with:

• Breaking and Entering During the Nighttime to Commit a Felony
• Receiving Stolen Property
• Malicious Destruction of Property over $250

In addition, PINION, the alleged driver, was also charged with:

• Resisting Arrest
• Failing to Stop for Police
• Operating With a Suspended License
• Reckless Operation
• Various Motor Vehicle/Traffic Offenses

Police received a call for a commercial burglar alarm at 4 a.m. for the Artinian Jewelers store located at 39 Main. St. A responding officer noted that the front door of the store had been pried open, and the officer reported the description and license plate of a vehicle seen driving away from the area.

Officers quickly found the car, one mile away, at the intersection of Walden Street and Rt. 2/Concord Turnpike. The driver sped off, leading police on a pursuit around town that ended, three miles away, on a cul-de-sac, on Baker Avenue, near the old Concord Elks Lodge.

FELTS, the passenger, was quickly apprehended by a pursuing officer, but PINION ran from police. He was tracked by a Massachusetts State Police K-9 and found hiding a short distance away. PINION was briefly hospitalized for a dog bite, received as he was being apprehended by the K-9. He was released, and both suspects are currently being held at Concord Police pending their arraignment later this morning in Concord District Court.

Concord Police could see, in plain view on the seats of the car, racks of jewelry allegedly taken from the store. Police will search and inventory the car, pending a search warrant.

The Lincoln Police Department also assisted during the pursuit and investigation.

“Quick thinking and actions by Concord Police, combined with the strong partnerships we have built with our neighboring law enforcement agencies, resulted in the quick arrest and apprehension of two potentially dangerous suspects,” Chief O’Connor said. “I commend all of our officers and the Troopers involved for their hard work this morning in ensuring that these suspects were captured without any harm done to members of our community, despite the suspects’ dangerous and reckless actions.”

###